Larry Johnson's departure comes just three seasons after he gained 1,789 yards rushing and scored 17 touchdowns for the Chiefs and was an all-pro.

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 23: Running back Larry Johnson #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs rests during the game against the Buffalo Bills on November 23, 2008 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Larry Johnson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Given good blocking and a fresh start, Larry Johnson might still be the power-running Pro Bowler who had back-to-back 1,700-yard-plus seasons for the Chiefs. Or he might be a declining malcontent who will only cost money and cause trouble.

The Chiefs released Johnson on Monday, the day he was due back from his second suspension in the past 12 months.

Any team with a faltering running game is bound to be tempted by Johnson, despite his baggage and his age (he turns 30 on Nov. 19).

“When a name like that comes on the free-agent market like (Monday), we’ll obviously go back and take a look at him just like any other player,” Kubiak said. “Obviously, he’s been a good player in this league, and I’m sure he’ll get a lot of interest from a lot of people.”

When asked if he was interested in adding a veteran running back, Mora said: “No. . . . Right now, we’ll just stick with what we’ve got.”

Johnson has been high-maintenance since the Chiefs drafted him in the first round out of Penn State in 2003. Unhappy because he thought he was going to be taken by the Steelers, Johnson brooded while playing behind Pro Bowler Priest Holmes. He even prompted then-coach Dick Vermeil to say it was time for him “to take the diapers off.”

His last brush with controversy came two weeks ago when he posted on his Twitter account a gay slur, insulted followers and questioned the competence of coach Todd Haley.

Behind a poor offensive line this year, Johnson has gained 2.7 yards per carry for the Chiefs (1-7) and appeared not to have the quickness and punishing power that enabled him to rush for more than 1,700 yards in Pro Bowl seasons in 2005 and 2006.

He ends his Chiefs career with 5,996 yards rushing and 55 touchdowns.

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